Gavin Henson aiming to prolong professional career

Former Wales international Gavin Henson is looking to continue his playing career beyond the current campaign with the Newport-based Dragons.

The utility back, who has garnered 33 caps for his country, will be 37 by the end of his current deal at the Welsh region which runs out in June 2019.

Henson was a regular in the first part of last season but was dropped following a Boxing Day defeat to Cardiff Blues. He started once more before a hamstring injury ruled him out of the rest of the campaign.

“For the last however many years I have always treated it as my last but hope that is not the case,” he told WalesOnline. “I would love to go one more year professionally.

“I’m hoping to get another contract but there’s a lot to do yet. That’s a big drive for me to get that next year. I’m always looking for perfection, even at my age. I’m still dreaming of that perfect game, that’s what keeps my drive in training. As soon as I lose that I will finish.”

Despite Henson’s experience and quality, the 36-year-old is initially expecting to be down the pecking order when their PRO14 season starts in September.

He added: “I think I have got to take a little bit of a back-seat to start, to see if those boys take their chance. I’m covering 10, 12 and 15, wherever they need me, but hopefully I can force my way in the team. When I get my chance I have got to take it and put pressure on the other boys.

“Obviously, the management is under pressure because of how we finished last year so we need wins. This year is going to be much more serious. There’s going to be no messing around; (head coach) Bernard (Jackman) is probably going to pick his strongest team every week.

“That’s what we want as players and hopefully I will get in that. At the moment, with the way pre-season is, my goal is to try and get that starting spot and be first choice, which is going to be tough. But it’s a nice challenge for me.”